Originally Posted by
I WUB PUGS
Its basically the same team as last Olympics, but the players were all really young last Olympics. Team USA doesn't have star quality center depth, that's the big knock. Goaltending is also a question, but really, who the hell knows how good Ryan Miller is until he gets SOME defense in front of him and some scoring too. Leaving Ryan at home was dumb and Orpik is useless. I think Burke was a better GM, but meh, the team is largely the same.
The Canadians make a big deal about how good they are in comparison to Team USA, but they have goaltending questions too. Its just that their Center depth is undeniable. Team USA has better 2-Way players IMO and even with Crosby as the 1C, I'd still take JVR-Pavelski-Kessel as maybe the best top line in the tournament. You can't duplicate chemistry like JVR and Kessel have in the time given. Pavelski is a massive upgrade on Bozak or Kadri so that top line should make some serious noise.
Team USA is lacking in "star power" though. That BS star power though is something that mettles in Canada's roster decisions. I think they should ice their best roster in a long time, but even pretending to discuss putting PK Subban as a "depth defenseman" is retarded. He's arguably the best defenseman in the world. Definitely the best 2 way. I'd take Karlsson over him though just because, why play D when you're able to generate O instantly? But Subban will probably sit because Weber, Doughty, Keith and Bouwmeester "deserve" minutes. Saying that Vlasic or Petriengelo are better than Subban is a crime.
Canada usually flubs through the tournament anyway. Don't forget that Team USA didn't lose a game until the Gold Medal Game, they dominated the whole tournament until that game when Canada knew they had to win or see Vancouver burn.
There's no reason why Sweden and Russia shouldn't make easy runs, but who knows. Same with Canada. These tournaments are about who gels quicker. I like the chemistry on Team USA.